Health and Rehabilitation Sciences MS
Major: Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 45.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 51.2314
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-1099
About the Program
The Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is designed to provide a flexible curriculum to meet the needs of students with interests across the health and rehabilitation sciences continuum. Core courses will provide scientific foundations in health and rehabilitation research, biostatistics and research methods. The core includes a thesis option for those seeking a career in research and a non-thesis final project option for those with professional or clinical interests.
Elective courses enable each student, with guidance from their advisor, to focus the program of study on the particular areas of health and rehabilitation science they seek to develop graduate-level expertise in. Additionally, elective credits may be used to complete a graduate minor from the many excellent options across Drexel’s schools and colleges.
Students completing the program are prepared for further graduate study at the PhD level and careers in health and rehabilitation and exercise science.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, contact:
Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences
Additional information is also available on Drexel's College of Nursing and Health Professions web page.
Admission Requirements
- Degree: a STEM or health-related bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States or equivalent international institution. Must have a GPA of 3.0 or above.
- GRE: not required
- References: two letters of recommendation submitted electronically.
- Personal statement: approximately 500 words explaining your reasons for pursuing the MS degree, your short- and long-term career plans and how your background and experience to date when combined with this degree will enable you to pursue these goals successfully.
- CV/resume: required
International students: International applicants, as well as immigrants to the United States and United States permanent residents whose native language is not English and who have not received a bachelor's degree or higher in the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand or the United Kingdom, must show proficiency in English speaking as well as listening, writing and reading.
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL minimum scores: 90/577/233)
- the International English Language Testing System (IELTS minimum Overall Band Score: 6.5)
- or the Pearson Test of English (PTE minimum score: 61)
Degree Requirements
| Core Courses | ||
| HRSC 541 | Introduction to Scholarly Inquiry and Communication in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences | 3.0 |
| RSCH 519 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 3.0 |
| Final project or thesis concentration | ||
| Select one of the following concentrations: | 6.0-9.0 | |
| Final Project Concentration | ||
| Final Project I | ||
| Final Project II | ||
| Thesis Concentration * | ||
| Thesis Research I | ||
| Thesis Research II | ||
| Electives ** | ||
| Select a minimum of 30 credits from the list below: | 30.0-36.0 | |
| Pediatric Engineering I | ||
| Pediatric Engineering II | ||
| Chronobioengineering I | ||
| Chronobioengineering II | ||
| Biological Evolution: Applications to Human Health and Performance | ||
| Medical Technology Innovation: Devices | ||
| Biomedical Mechanics I | ||
| Biomedical Mechanics II | ||
| Brain Computer Interfaces | ||
| Research Practicum I | ||
| Research Practicum II | ||
| Research Practicum III | ||
| Independent Study in Health & Rehabilitation Sciences | ||
| Historical Influences on the US Healthcare System | ||
| Managerial Epidemiology | ||
| Advanced Ethical Decision Making in Health Care | ||
| Mindfulness Meditation | ||
| Collaboration with Vulnerable Populations | ||
| Communication and Self-Awareness for Leadership | ||
| Interdisciplinary Approaches in Aging Research | ||
| Lifecycle Nutrition | ||
| World Nutrition | ||
| Maternal and Child Health Nutrition | ||
| Sport and Exercise Nutrition | ||
| Nutrition of the Schoolchild | ||
| Foundations in Quantitative Research | ||
| Foundations in Scholarly Inquiry & Writing | ||
| Coaching Theory and Principles | ||
| Ethical Considerations in Coaching | ||
| Learning Strategies in Coaching | ||
| Coaching Psychology | ||
| Total Credits | 45.0-51.0 | |
- *
Not to exceed 9 credits
- **
Students complete a minimum of 30.0 - 36.0 credits of electives, which may include preapproved electives and other graduate courses from within and outside CNHP as appropriate to support the individualized plan of study. Electives require approval from the Program Director. Additionally, with prior approval from the Program Director, elective credits may be used to fulfill the requirements for a graduate minor.
Sample Plan of Study
Final Project concentration- Sample Plan of Study
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| HRSC 541 | Introduction to Scholarly Inquiry and Communication in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences | 3.0 |
| NFS 526 | Lifecycle Nutrition | 3.0 |
| RSCH 519 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 3.0 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Winter | ||
| BMES 571 | Biological Evolution: Applications to Human Health and Performance | 4.0 |
| HRSC I699 | Independent Study in Health & Rehabilitation Sciences | 1.0 |
| HSAD 500 | Historical Influences on the US Healthcare System | 4.0 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| HSAD 501 | Managerial Epidemiology | 3.0 |
| IPS 502 | Advanced Ethical Decision Making in Health Care | 3.0 |
| IPS 861 | Interdisciplinary Approaches in Aging Research | 3.0 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| HRSC 690 | Final Project I | 3.0 |
| HRSC I699 | Independent Study in Health & Rehabilitation Sciences | 3.0 |
| IPS 502 | Advanced Ethical Decision Making in Health Care | 3.0 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Winter | ||
| HRSC 691 | Final Project II | 3.0 |
| HRSC I699 | Independent Study in Health & Rehabilitation Sciences | 1.5 |
| IPS 663 | Communication and Self-Awareness for Leadership | 4.5 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 45 | |
Thesis concentration - Sample Plan of Study
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| HRSC 541 | Introduction to Scholarly Inquiry and Communication in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences | 3.0 |
| HRSC 671 | Research Practicum I | 3.0 |
| RSCH 519 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 3.0 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Winter | ||
| HRSC 672 | Research Practicum II | 3.0 |
| RSCH 700 | Foundations in Quantitative Research | 3.0 |
| RSCH 741 | Foundations in Scholarly Inquiry & Writing | 3.0 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| HRSC 673 | Research Practicum III | 3.0 |
| HRSC I699 | Independent Study in Health & Rehabilitation Sciences | 3.0 |
| NFS 546 | World Nutrition | 3.0 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| HRSC 673 | Research Practicum III | 3.0 |
| HRSC 695 | Thesis Research I | 3.0 |
| NFS 526 | Lifecycle Nutrition | 3.0 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Winter | ||
| HRSC 696 | Thesis Research II | 6.0 |
| HRSC I699 | Independent Study in Health & Rehabilitation Sciences | 3.0 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 45 | |
Program Level Outcomes
Upon completion of the program graduates will be prepared to:
- Demonstrate understanding of advanced topics in health and rehabilitation sciences.
- Critically read, evaluate and discuss relevant research literature in health and rehabilitation sciences.
- Analyze issues using critical thinking and solution-focused problem-solving skills.
- Communicate effectively with a variety of different stakeholders.
- Students completing a thesis will pursue research activities that lead to published scientific findings.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty
Laura Baehr, PT, DPT, PhD (Temple University, Drexel University). Assistant Professor. Clinician-scientist accelerating empowerment, access and equity in community-based physical activity programs for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions.
Benjamin Binder-Markey, PT, DPT, PhD (Northwestern University, University of Delaware) Director, Graduate Programs in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Assistant Professor. Skeletal muscle adaptations after injury and disease; muscle adaptation effects on physical function; musculoskeletal computational models; neurological rehabilitation.
Heather L. Brossman, PT, DPT, MS, DHSc Board Certified Cardiopulmonary Clinical Specialist, Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist (Temple University, Drexel University) Director of Clinical Education. Assistant Professor. Acute care, preschool and school-based practice, early intervention, cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders, complex conditions, participation of children with multiple disabilities, physical activity.
Sudeshna A. Chatterjee, PT, PhD (Maharashtra University of Health Science, University of Florida ). Assistant Professor. Aging, Neurorehabilitation, Functional Neuroimaging, Non-invasive Brain Stimulation.
Margaret Finley, PT, PhD (University of Maryland) Interim Department Chair of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Executive Director Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. . Associate Professor. Interaction of biological and psychosocial factors in the development and progression of secondary conditions and the impact of activity and participation on biopsychosocial health factors in individuals with neuromotor impairments.
Noel Goodstadt, PT, DPT, Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (Temple University) Director of Human Gross Anatomy. Associate Clinical Professor. Orthopaedic injuries of the shoulder, knee, and back, and innovation for human performance and function.
Robert C. Hand, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (Saint Joseph's University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Neurologic disorders, primarily chronic and neurodegenerative diagnoses, advocacy and accessibility, promotion of skilled maintenance and wellness, and emerging technologies in neurologic rehabilitation.
Robert Maschi, PT, DPT, Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (Temple University). Associate Clinical Professor. Orthopedics, musculoskeletal disorders, lower extremity biomechanics and movement analysis.
Clare Milner, PhD, FACSM (University of Durham, University of Leeds). Associate Professor. Gait biomechanics; overuse injuries in runners; functional independence in gait and activities of daily living in clinical populations.
Lynette Montgomery, PT, PhD (University of Queensland, The Ohio State University). Assistant Professor. Motor Control and rehabilitation after neurological injury, mechanisms of neuroplasticity and recovery of locomotion following neurological injury.
Annalisa Na, PT, DPT, PhD, Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (Duke University, University of Delaware). Assistant Research Professor. Interactions of multimorbidity diseases on functional outcomes in older adults
Stephen Samendinger, PhD (Michigan State University). Associate Teaching Professor. Psychosocial aspects of physical activity and healthy lifestyles, motivation: group dynamics, identity, physical activity determinants and responses.
Megan Schaefer, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist (Temple University) Vice-Chair, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences and Director of Operations, Doctor of Physical Therapy . Clinical Professor. Health administration, cerebral palsy, pediatric neuromuscular and neurogenetic disorders, acute care pediatrics and early intervention.
Sara Tomaszewski, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (Duke University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Orthopedics and sports physical therapy, injury prevention, and return-to-sport decision making.
Glenn Williams, PT, PhD, Board-Certified Athletic Trainer (Baylor University, University of Delaware) Senior Associate Dean of Health Professions. Associate Professor. Neuromuscular plasticity after joint injury, orthopaedic and sports rehabilitation, human performance, post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
Emeritus Faculty
Lisa Ann Chiarello, PT, PhD, FAPTA (Ithaca College, Hahnemann University). Professor Emerita. Pediatric community-based practice; family-centered care; determinants of outcomes; and participation of children with physical disabilities.
Kevin E. Gard, PT, DPT, Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (Temple University). Professor Emeritus. Orthopedics; sports medicine, lower extremity biomechanics and movement analysis especially related to running.
Margo Orlin, PT, PhD, FAPTA (Temple University, Drexel University). Associate Professor Emeritus. Walking and running biomechanics and participation in children with developmental disabilities, evaluation of enhancing participation for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.
Robert J. Palisano, PT, ScD, FAPTA (Boston University). Distinguished Professor Emeritus. Classification and prognosis for gross motor function in children and youth with cerebral palsy; interventions to improve activity and participation in children with physical disabilities; transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities.
Patricia Rubertone, PT, MPT, MSW, EdD (Widener University). Associate Clinical Professor Emerita. Student learning; course design; judgment of physical therapy student clinic performance by novice vs. experienced clinical instructors.
Susan Smith, PT, PhD (University of Connecticut, Texas Woman's University). Associate Professor and Dean Emerita. Geriatrics: health promotion and interventions for manifestations of low bone mass; assessment of fall risk and fall prevention interventions for older adults
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